SHOTOKAN'S LOST NAGE WAZA: The Nine Throws of Gichin Funakoshi PT. 1

Funakoshi -Tsubame Gaeshi (1935)

Shotokan karate includes various throwing and sweeping techniques (known as nage waza), which are often found within the applications (bunkai) of its kata (forms). While often seen primarily as a striking art, Shotokan incorporates throws derived from Judo and techniques developed by its founder, Gichin Funakoshi. 

Funakoshi described nine, or possibly ten, specific throwing techniques (nage-waza) in his early texts, such as Rentan Goshin Tode Jutsu (1922) and Karate-do Kyohan. These are often referred to as the "lost throws" as they are not universally taught in modern Shotokan dojos.

The Nine Throws of Gichin Funakoshi

Gichin Funakoshi's throwing techniques are sometimes referred to as the "lost throws" as they are not universally taught in all modern Shotokan dojos. These include:

1.) Byobu Daoshi (Topple a Folding Screen)

2.) Komi Nage (Spinning Top Throw)

3.) Kubi Wa (Neck Ring)

4.) Katawa Guruma (Cripple Wheel)

5.) Tsubame Gaeshi (Reverse Swallow)

6.) Yari Dama (Spearing Throw)

7.) Ude Wa (Arm Ring)

8.) Gyaku Tsuchi (Reverse Sledgehammer)

9.) Tani Otoshi (Valley Drop) (different from the Judo version)

Another technique sometimes mentioned separately is Nodo Osae (Throat Press).

These techniques incorporated elements from other martial arts, including judo, which Funakoshi studied, and are part of the original, more holistic approach to karate that included a wider range of grappling and throwing applications. 

Byobu Daoshi (Topple a Folding Screen)

Application in Training

In traditional Shotokan, throwing techniques are often embedded within the movements of kata. In his book Karate - Do Kyohan, Funakoshi writes that the throws should be studied in reference to the basic kata;  The basic Shotokan kata are the Heian (Pinan) series (Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Godan). 

Throws Embedded in the basic Kata 

Basic Shotokan kata contain numerous throws and takedowns (nage-waza) when interpreted through practical application (bunkai), drawing on principles of leverage, off-balancing (kuzushi), and joint manipulation.

The fundamental Heian series, created by Anko Itosu and modernized by Gichin Funakoshi, includes many movements with throwing applications.

Heian Shodan & Nidan: Movements such as reinforced blocks (morote-uke) can be interpreted as wrist locks or a means to control an opponent's arm before a throw or takedown. The various rotations and changes in angle are crucial for getting off the opponent's line of attack and positioning oneself for a throw, like a hip bump.

Heian Sandan: This kata includes movements that can be applied as an armbar or Funakoshi's "spinning top throw" (Komi Nage) using hip rotation.

Shotokan's Tani Otoshi is very different from the Judo version.

Heian Yondan: A "hidden" juji (cross) arm throw is a common bunkai for certain sequences, involving grabbing the opponent's hand, turning, and lifting to execute the throw.

Heian Godan: This final Heian kata, which includes the first jump, involves multiple locks, takedowns, and throws in its bunkai. The dynamic movements and postures like the manji-gamae variation are applied to complex throwing scenarios, using the opponent's momentum.